30's Detroit Tigers autos help Greenberg, Gehringer

[clutch]

I've come across a fellow that has an autograph book. Here is what he presented:
AUTOGRAPH BOOK FOUND WHILE MOVING. THE FOLLOWING AUTOGRAPHS OF THE 1938 DETROIT TIGERS AT THE LAKELAND, FLORIDA TIGERS TRAINING CAMP. GOOSE GOSLIN, SCHOOLBOY ROWE, DIZZY TROUT, HANK GREENBERG, CHAS GEHRINGER, RUDY YORK ELDEN AULCER, CY PERKINS, MICKEY COCHRANE, JOJO WHILE, GERRY WALKER, BILL ROG, VIE SORRELL, SLICK COFFMAN, ROXIE LAWSON, AL SIMMONS. EACH ON AN INDIVIDUAL PAGE IN A GRAY AUTOGRAPH BOOKLETT. VALUE - PRICELESS!!

He says it was his mother's, but he is not positive on the year. He's asking $1000. I think that might be a bit high. I've included a few pictures that he sent me (everybody always sends me blurry cell phone pictures). Do you think that these autos are legit and that this book is worth pursuing? What do you feel a fair price to offer on this would be? What year do you think this is from? It must have been an accumulation over several years. I don't think all these guys played for the Tigers at the same time. I have my thoughts, but I thought I'd get some opinions from the experts because you guys are awesome. Thanks!!

[mr2686]

If they're good, I think they would have been signed in multiple years. Goslin played on Det from 34-37, Simmons in 36, Trout 39-52, Coffman 37-39 etc etc.

[clutch]

Originally Posted by mr2686

If they're good, I think they would have been signed in multiple years. Goslin played on Det from 34-37, Simmons in 36, Trout 39-52, Coffman 37-39 etc etc.

I was thinking that too, but Coffman and Trout started their careers in Detroit and this was at Spring Training. Could it be possible that they were minor league invitees to spring training? Not sure if it worked the same way back then as it does today.

[mr2686]

Ya know, it might be from 37 spring training. Simmons went to Washington on April 4th 1937 and Trout was traded to Detroit in late 36 but could have been at spring training in 37.

[clutch]

See what I started? I have to get ready for an outing, but I want to stay here and play detective. That's what makes this hobby so fun. Finding a piece of history and researching its origins. Thanks for the help so far. I'll be anxious to get back and do some more digging.

[HexsHeroes]

.

. . . (imo) is not completely unreasonable, but would represent a absolute ceiling as far as break-down retail value goes. Kept together, perhaps a small premium is justified. Regardless, getting much harder to find autograph album books that have been kept intact from this era. I certainly would not turn away from adding it to my collection for the right price. But $1000 would be far too rich to prompt me to buy. If it were me, I'd shoot for $600-$650 as a nice mid-point. Not rock bottom wholesale, but not chump change either.

[Exhibitman]

It's kinda hard to say with the fuzzy photos but the Greenberg looks good to me.